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15 replies

Advice for a new college player?

7Steps7Steps100+ posts
Hi everyone,

Since my college career begins next Monday, I've begun to get anxious and - quite honestly - a bit nervous in regards to what to expect and how to approach the whole experience. For all of the seasoned college student-athletes out there, what do you guys think are some of the most important things that a wide-eyed freshman can do to position him or herself for success in the classroom and on the field? I welcome any and all advice, stories (good and bad) and suggestions.

Thank you!
"I'm better than I was yesterday, but not as good as I will be tommorrow."
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scdiggerscdigger500+ posts
Maybe a little late now...but, arrive on campus in shape. You will have workouts that are probably tougher than anything you've done...but coming in prepared will make a difference. My son's claim to fame from this summer was he was the only one in his class that didn't throw up all summer. Got to hang your hat on something!
JPontiacJPontiac500+ posts
Be humble around your new teammates, keep what may be very high expectations for you to yourself. Make lots of friends outside the baseball team. Sometimes you're going to want an outlet outside of the team for various reasons. Prioritize your schoolwork, try to block off a particular time of day (preferably not the time you should be sleeping) that you will work on things. It may take a bit of time to learn your routine well enough to figure out the best time to work.

Most of all, just don't get stressed out when things don't go according to plan. The first few weeks are going to be a whirlwind in more ways than one. Just ride along and don't get too caught up in the many things that will change and change again.
C CaBB1,000+ posts
Sit in the front row in all your classes. Get to know your professors/teachers. Ask for help sooner rather than later if you need it.
Take advantage of all study halls, tutoring, etc. get a good handle on your classes this first semester because next semester will be even more difficult if you make the spring travel roster.

Now, try to relax and enjoy your success but work harder at everything than you ever have.

And call your parents once in a while to let them know how you're doing!!
SdleftySdlefty500+ posts
I agree with an earlier comment. Show up in the best shape of your life.

Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
Be on time.
Remember why you are there. If you are not in class or doing homework be at the field working.
Each day learn something new.

Most of all enjoy your journey in college, they will be some of the best times in your life, as you will be a different person than your are today when you graduate.
R RedSoxFan21500+ posts
One of the better posts from the other thread:

quote:
Originally posted by Coach_May:
Focus on what YOU need to do to be successful. That will be different than many of the guys around you sometimes and sometimes different than everyone around you. They may be able to go out every night and still take care of business in the class room and on the field. You may not be able to do those things.

There is going to be a strong pull for you to want to fit in the with guys. They are going to want you to join in with them. Your going to want to be a part of the things they are doing to fit in. I am not talking about drinking or partying solely but simply hanging out playing video games and doing other things. You have to understand that many guys have been there awhile and have a routine down. They can do those things and not have issues. Your a freshman. You might not be able to do those things. So you have to be strong and understand everyone is not in the same position and do what YOU have to do.

In some cases your eyes are going to be wide open to new things. Crazy stuff. Very enticing things. Stay focused. If you don't your going to pay a heavy price for it. You are free to make what ever choices you wish to make. Your not free to choose the consequences of those choices. Stay focused.

Many times the baseball is not the problem. Your talented or you wouldn't be there. And so is everyone else. But are you mature enough to handle the new found freedom? Are you mature enough to handle the peer pressure of wanting to be one of the boys? Do you understand just because someone else on your team can do certain things that does not mean you can?

A 18 year old kid walking into a mans world. On a team with 22-23 year old men who have been there and done that. Exposed to things many times they have never been exposed to. Stay focused and stay on course. If not your going to learn some very hard lessons. Many times players and parents are so focused on the actual performance on the field they don't think about the pitfalls off the field that can totally negate the on field performance or impact in a negative way the performance on the field and in the class room. Just some thoughts.
P Prime91,000+ posts
Keep Baseball in perspective. To date, it's played a huge role in your life. But, remember it may not be the only thing that lies ahead. There is enough performance pressure from the outside, limit it internally. In the grand scheme, it's (baseball) likely not going to be the most important


Seek balance in your life. Study and prepare hard academically, prepare and play hard athletically, eat well. Sleep is your friend, do your best to get eight hours. Manage your time to these priorities AND then, when time allows and it's sensible; party hard and ENJOY! These times will pass so much faster than you could ever believe.
Last edited by Prime9
06catcherdad06catcherdad1,000+ posts
A couple important suggestions for you, ones that will help you succeed in college baseball.

#1, stay on top of your academic responsibilities from day one.

#2 learn time management skills. Effectively allocating your limited hours each week to the necessary requirements is an extremely important skill to master.

#3 You are not in college to party. Yes, college is a lot of fun, and it should be. HOWEVER, you didn't go there to party and I will say that I've seen more baseball players wash out for this reason than any other because they didn't understand this, or didn't have the self discipline, and they lost their baseball opportunity because of misplaced priorities.
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
Never fall behind on your reading and studying thinking you can catch up. You may be exhausted the day you thought you were going to catch up. Don't wait until the end of the semester to crack the book. It may all make sense while reading. You'll remember about 30% of it when the test comes up in a few days. Studies show initial retention of material is 30%.

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